How to Spend FIVE DAYS in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: 5-Day Itinerary

Planning a trip to Punta Cana soon? You’re in for an action-packed five days in paradise!

Don’t get us wrong, we love a lazy beach day as much as anyone. But Punta Cana has so much more to offer than its beautiful beaches and all-inclusive resorts. You can spend a day sailing and snorkeling around Saona Island, meet adorable squirrel monkeys in the countryside, and dig into some seriously (and we mean seriously) good Dominican food between adventures. 

The only challenge is squeezing it all into five days. So to help, we’ve put together this 5-day itinerary that covers all the highlights, while still giving you plenty of time to relax and enjoy some well-earned R&R. 

Ready to start planning? Let’s get to it!

Itinerary overview

Punta Cana is pretty spread out, so a little planning goes a long way! Unlike many destinations, there’s no traditional city center where you can simply walk between all of the main sights. Bávaro, Cap Cana, Punta Cana Village, and the Puntacana Resort area are all separate, and the busy roads between them aren’t particularly pedestrian-friendly.

Luckily, getting around is still pretty straightforward. Many of the excursions in this itinerary include hotel pickup and drop-off, while taxis and rideshares are the easiest option for independent trips. Just keep in mind that pickup and return times can vary depending on traffic and how many hotel stops are involved, so it’s always wise to leave yourself some wiggle room.

For the easiest five-day stay, we recommend basing yourself in Bávaro or Los Corales. You’ll be close to the beach, plenty of restaurants, and convenient pickup points for many tours. Los Corales and nearby El Cortecito are also among the few areas where you can comfortably explore on foot once you arrive.

We’ve planned this itinerary with those logistics in mind, balancing bigger excursion days with time closer to your hotel so you’re not constantly traveling back and forth across Punta Cana.

But before we get into the details, here’s a quick overview of how we’d spend five perfect days in Punta Cana: 

⛱️ Day 1: Beach Time & Catamaran Cruise
Start on Los Corales Beach, then sail, snorkel, and swim on this small-group catamaran trip before dinner on Bávaro Beach.

🇩🇴 Day 2: Dominican Culture & Relaxation
Join this half-day Dominican culture tour, enjoy a slower afternoon at the beach or spa, and head to Palma Real Plaza for Italian food in the evening. 

⛵ Day 3: Saona Island or Santo Domingo
Choose between this Saona Island trip or this full-day excursion to Santo Domingo, then settle in for dinner at Noah Restaurant & Lounge before a movie.

🌿 Day 4: Local Flavors, Nature & Exploring
Start with this Dominican tasting experience or an adventure at Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve, spend the afternoon exploring Los Corales and El Cortecito, and finish with dinner at Pastrata. 

🐒 Day 5: Monkeyland & Punta Cana Village
Head inland for this Monkeyland and Plantation Safari tour, spend the afternoon in Punta Cana Village and BlueMall, then celebrate your final night at the iconic La Yola.

Day 1

Breakfast – Kat’s Corner

For your very first morning in Punta Cana, we’re sending you to Kat’s Corner for breakfast. 

Kat’s Corner is a casual cafe in Los Corales, and it’s just a short walk from Bávaro Beach. If your hotel doesn’t include breakfast, this is a great place to fuel up before hitting the beach. And if it does, you can simply eat there first and meet up with the itinerary afterward.

For something local, try the Dominican breakfast with mangú, eggs, fried cheese, and salami. It’s hearty, traditional, and will definitely keep you going until lunch! The breakfast burrito is another solid choice, while fresh fruit, smoothies, and tropical juices are perfect if you want something lighter before a morning in the sun.

Kat’s Corner opens at 8:30 am daily, and we recommend arriving around opening time so you can finish up by 9:30 am. If you’re staying outside the Bávaro area, a taxi or rideshare will probably be the easiest way to get here. From the cafe, it’s just a short walk down to Los Corales Beach, which is where you’re heading next! 

Morning – Relax at Los Corales

After breakfast, head down to Los Corales Beach and spend the rest of the morning enjoying your first proper taste of the Caribbean!

Los Corales is part of the wider Bávaro Beach coastline, so expect soft white sand, turquoise water, and plenty of palm trees. Since you’ve got a catamaran trip later this afternoon, we’ve kept this morning nice and relaxed. So use this time to take a swim, stretch out with a book, or simply enjoy the views and settle into vacation mode (it shouldn’t be hard!).

The beach is public, although the loungers and facilities at nearby resorts are generally reserved for hotel guests. If you’re looking for some shade, head to an independent beach bar or seaside cafe, as you can usually grab a seat when you order something. You can also wander north toward El Cortecito, where you’ll find small stores and market stalls selling artwork, clothing, souvenirs, and larimar jewelry.

Once you get away from the restaurants and resorts, there isn’t much shade, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. We recommend leaving the beach at around 11 am for an early lunch. That way, you’ll have enough time to eat, head back to your hotel, and get ready for this afternoon’s adventure.

Lunch – Soles Beach Club

For lunch, head to Soles Beach Club, which is right on Los Corales Beach. 

Since you’ll be boarding a catamaran this afternoon, we recommend keeping lunch on the lighter side. The fresh fish ceviche, chicken tacos, and grilled chicken Caesar salad are all great options. If you’ve worked up more of an appetite, you can’t go wrong with the Argentine beef empanadas or a burger. 

For drinks, you absolutely have to try one of the fresh tropical juices, like passion fruit and lime or pineapple, mango, and mint. We’d save the cocktails for later, though, because your catamaran trip includes an open bar!

We recommend eating around 11 or 11:30 am, then grabbing a taxi or rideshare back to your hotel. Your tour operator will confirm your exact pickup time after you book, but in our experience, they can arrive up to an hour earlier than the listed 2 pm departure. So keep an eye on your phone and don’t cut it too fine getting back to your hotel. You definitely don’t want to start your afternoon chasing a catamaran!

Afternoon – Snorkel and sail along the Punta Cana coast

After lunch, head back to your hotel and get ready for an afternoon adventure on the water. Although this 3.5-hour catamaran cruise is listed as starting around 2 pm, your hotel pickup may be an hour or more earlier. You’ll get the exact details the day before, so keep your afternoon free!

With a maximum of 16 guests, the boat never felt too crowded, so we had plenty of space to relax and take in the gorgeous Caribbean views. One of the highlights was stopping to snorkel in a natural reserve, where we swam among tons of colorful tropical fish in the clear turquoise water.

After snorkeling for a while, we anchored at a sandbar where the water was waist-deep and super warm. The crew even set up a floating bar, so the drinks were served right there in the water!

We relaxed on the powdery white sand while some other guests headed out on stand-up paddleboards and had a great time. When we got back on the boat to head back, the drinks were flowing, music was pumping, and smiles were all around. It was such a great day!

So, if you’re looking for a fun and slightly more luxurious way to experience Punta Cana from the water, this tour is definitely worth considering. It was hands-down my favorite tour in Punta Cana, and with 2,500+ five-star reviews, we’re clearly not the only ones who loved it! Just don’t forget your sunscreen and underwater camera!

Dinner/Evening – Jellyfish Restaurant

After your catamaran adventure, return to your hotel for a shower and some downtime before heading to Jellyfish Restaurant on Bávaro Beach. This beautiful beachfront restaurant feels like a fitting way to continue the day’s coastal theme, with tables surrounded by palm trees and the sound of the ocean lapping in the background.

Seafood is the main attraction, with plenty of tempting options. Begin with the coconut shrimp or tuna tartare, then order the braised mahi-mahi, frutti di mare pasta, or seafood paella for two. Groups can also share the seafood grill, which brings together lobster, langoustine, shrimp, conch, octopus, and grilled fish. Pair dinner with a frozen cocktail, sangria, or a glass of wine.

Jellyfish serves dinner daily, and reservations are strongly recommended because it is also a popular venue for celebrations and beachfront events. This will be a calmer finish, perfect before tomorrow’s early Dominican culture experience. Either way, we recommend grabbing a taxi or rideshare back to your hotel rather than walking after dark.

Day 2

Morning/Lunch – Experience Dominican culture beyond the resorts

Today we’re starting at 7 am, so grab breakfast at your hotel if you can, or use those snacks you picked up yesterday to keep you going through the morning. Don’t worry, though, there will be plenty of food later! Then it’s time to head out on this half-day tour and see what the Dominican Republic is like beyond the resorts. Pick-up is from your hotel, so you don’t have to worry about any of the logistics either! 

I’ve been on my fair share of excursions, but this one really stands out. It gave me a better look at the country’s history, culture, and everyday life, and we even had time for the beach. It’s also a fun one for the entire family!

The day started with a ride to Higüey, where we went horseback riding through the countryside. From there, we visited the stunning Basilica of Higüey and stopped at a local market. There were so many neat handmade goods, and we really enjoyed getting a glimpse into local life.

Next up was my favorite part! We headed to the Anamuya River for a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear water. If you’re feeling adventurous (and I definitely was), there’s also a 100-foot (30-meter) natural water slide that drops straight into the river below. Delicious lunch is served here too!

Other stops include a local art school, a coffee and cacao store, and beautiful Macao Beach. The tour wraps up around 2 pm, with drop-off back at your hotel. 

Afternoon – Relax by the beach or enjoy a massage

After a busy morning learning about Dominican culture, we recommend keeping this afternoon pretty low-key. The tour includes a traditional Dominican lunch and plenty of activities, and it can sometimes run a little longer than expected, so there’s no need to schedule anything else.

The easiest option is to head back to your resort and spend a few hours by the beach or pool. Find a shady spot, go for a swim, or even sneak in an afternoon nap before dinner. You’ve got a full five days in Punta Cana, so don’t feel guilty about building in some proper downtime!

If you’d rather take the relaxation up a notch, this is also the perfect time for a spa treatment. Many resorts have their own spas where you can book a massage, facial, or hydrotherapy session. If yours doesn’t, Spa Natural Center in Los Corales is a great alternative, with massages, facials, body treatments, and couples’ experiences in a peaceful tropical garden setting.

If you’re still in the mood to explore, you can also spend an hour or so browsing Plaza Bibijagua, a large beachfront market selling everything you can possibly imagine, including jewelry, paintings, Dominican coffee, cacao, rum, and cigars. Just know that there is some overlap with the market stops and tastings on this morning’s tour, though, so we’d only choose this option if you’re in the mood for a little extra souvenir shopping.

Dinner/Evening – Dolce Italia Palma Real Plaza

After a relaxing afternoon, head over to Dolce Italia at Palma Real Plaza for dinner around 7 pm. After today’s traditional Dominican lunch, a big plate of pasta or a freshly baked pizza makes for a nice change of pace!

The hardest part here is deciding what to order. But if it were up to me, I’d start with the burrata and prosciutto or eggplant Parmigiana before moving on to one of the pastas, like the carbonara or stuffed ravioli. If you’re craving pizza, the Pistacchiosa is always our go-to. It comes topped with pistachio pesto, stracciatella, mortadella, and crushed pistachios, and it’s honestly worth ordering for the pistachio pesto alone!

Of course, you can’t go for Italian without dessert. Finish things off with tiramisu, pistachio cheesecake, or a scoop (or two!) of gelato.

Dolce Italia is open daily until midnight, but we still recommend making a reservation during busier travel periods, as it’s a popular spot and tables can fill up quickly around dinner time. After dinner, head back to your hotel and get an early night because tomorrow is a big one: you’re off to Saona Island, and pickup can be as early as 6 am!

Day 3

Option 1: Morning/Afternoon – Explore Saona Island

If you’re up for a full day of adventure, this is the one for you. You’ll be picked up from your hotel at 6 am and taken by an air-conditioned vehicle to Bayahibe, where you’ll hop on a speedboat for this day trip to Saona Island.

Although 6 am might feel a little brutal for a vacation, you’ll arrive before the bigger excursion boats, so you can enjoy the beaches before they get crowded. 

Once you get to Saona Island, you’ll know it was worth it! You’ve got white-sand beaches, quaint little villages, and plenty of wildlife to look out for (did somebody say turtles?!). Oh, and fun fact: parts of Pirates of the Caribbean were filmed right here. 

Your first stop is Mano Juan, where you’ll learn about the local turtle conservation project. After breakfast, you’ll head to a “secret beach.” I won’t tell you the name and ruin the surprise, but trust me, it’s spectacular! 

Next up is Abanico Beach for a buffet lunch right on the sand, followed by some free time to relax with a rum cocktail. Finally, you’ll head to Palmilla Beach to wade through turquoise water and look for starfish. I even spotted a turtle here, so keep your eyes peeled!

This tour had me feeling like Captain Jack Sparrow all day. All that was missing was buried treasure! Bring swimwear, a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, and some cash. It wraps up in the afternoon, and you should be back at your hotel around 3 pm. 

Option 2: Discover the historic landmarks of Santo Domingo

If you’d rather spend your time exploring history, this full-day Santo Domingo tour is a great option. You’ll see colonial architecture, learn about local history, and experience a side of the Dominican Republic that’s very different from Punta Cana. Pickup is at 6 am from your hotel, followed by a 2–3-hour drive in an air-conditioned vehicle to Santo Domingo, one of the oldest cities in the Americas.

Once you arrive in the capital, you’ll head out on a walking tour to see historic sights including Calle Las Damas, the first paved street in the New World, and the Alcazar de Colón, where Christopher Columbus’s son once lived.

We also visited the Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor, the first cathedral in the Americas, and spent time exploring the Colonial Zone. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is full of colorful buildings and old streets, and walking around really did feel like stepping back in time!

We think this is a great choice if you want to learn more about the Dominican Republic and take a day off the beach. Tasty lunch at a typical Dominican restaurant is also included—the perfect way to refuel between sightseeing stops!

This one runs a little longer, so you should be back at your hotel around 7 pm. You’ll probably just want to grab some dinner and call it a night afterward, which I totally get! 

Late afternoon – Rest and recharge at your hotel

After a full day of boating, swimming, and exploring, you’ll definitely be ready for some downtime! We recommend keeping the late afternoon completely open, since your exact return time will depend on traffic from Bayahibe and the order of the hotel drop-offs.

If you chose the Saona Island trip and arrive back with some time to spare, head to your room for a shower and a well-deserved rest. Or, if you’re not quite ready to leave the sunshine behind, squeeze in a gentle swim at the resort pool or find a shady spot by the beach before dinner.

If you chose to visit Santo Domingo, you won’t be back until later in the evening (usually around 7 pm), so don’t worry about fitting anything else in today. Just head straight into a relaxed evening once you return.

Most importantly, avoid booking anything with a fixed start time this afternoon/evening. Traffic can be unpredictable, and after such a big day, you’ll appreciate having some breathing room before your evening plans.

Dinner – Noah Restaurant & Lounge

If you chose the Saona Island trip today, head to Noah Restaurant & Lounge for dinner at around 7 pm. This stylish spot mixes Dominican ingredients with international flavors, and the menu is huge, so it’s a really good choice if everyone in your group is craving something different.

We recommend ordering a few appetizers to share first. The ropa vieja croquettes come with chipotle and honey aioli, while the crispy yuca baskets are stuffed with pork and pico de gallo. Then, for something distinctly Dominican, try the rum-marinated goat served with rice and pigeon peas (you won’t be disappointed!). 

If you fancy something a little more familiar, you’ll also find things like sushi, wood-fired pizzas, seafood, salads, and plenty of vegetarian options, so there really is something for everyone here.

We recommend reserving a table in advance, especially if you’re visiting on a Friday or Saturday when things tend to be a little livelier. There’s also outdoor seating and occasional live music too, so it’s worth checking Noah’s social media before you go so you can make a full evening of it!

Optional evening – Catch a movie at Caribbean Cinemas

If there isn’t any live music on at Noah and you’re not quite ready to call it a night after dinner either, head over to Caribbean Cinemas at the nearby San Juan Shopping Center. It’s just a short taxi or rideshare from Noah, and after a few action-packed days, sitting back with some popcorn and a movie is a pretty nice way to spend the evening!

The cinema shows a mix of big Hollywood releases and Dominican films, but make sure to check the language before booking. “SUB” generally means the movie is shown in its original language with Spanish subtitles, while “DOB” means it has been dubbed into Spanish. Also, you’ll want to take a light layer with you. The air conditioning can be surprisingly chilly after a day in the Caribbean heat! 

Showings often run into the evening, so you should have plenty of options after an early dinner. Just check the latest schedule before you go, as movie times change regularly.

And of course, this one is completely optional. If nothing catches your eye (or Saona Island has completely worn you out!), head back to your hotel instead and get some rest. You’ve still got two more days of Punta Cana adventures ahead!

Day 4

Breakfast – Enjoy PC Restaurante

Day four is intentionally more laid-back, so start with a relaxed breakfast at Enjoy PC Restaurante. This lovely garden spot in Los Corales is just a short walk from the beach, and it opens early enough to work with either of today’s morning options.

Breakfast-wise, you can keep things sweet with waffles and fresh fruit or go for something heartier, like eggs with pancakes. There’s also an on-site bakery if a pastry and Italian coffee are more your speed, plus fresh juices and smoothies.

If you’re doing the rum tasting this morning, we definitely recommend eating a proper breakfast and drinking plenty of water beforehand. Hotel transportation is included, so just make sure you’re back at your hotel with plenty of time to spare before the approximate 10 am pickup.

If you’re heading to Indigenous Eyes instead, you’ll need to make your own way there, so aim to leave breakfast at around 9 am. It takes roughly 30 minutes to reach Puntacana Resort & Club by taxi or rideshare, and arriving around 9:45 am gives you time to check in before the 10 am guided visit.

For Indigenous Eyes, you’ll also want to wear lightweight clothing over your swimsuit and comfortable shoes, and make sure to bring a towel, plenty of water, and eco-friendly insect repellent. You’ll be glad to have everything with you once you’re out exploring!

Morning – Raise a glass or follow the forest trails

After a busy first few days, today gives you a little more freedom to choose your own pace. Keep things easy with a Dominican rum tasting, or get outdoors for a morning of forest trails and freshwater swimming at Indigenous Eyes. Both options get you back to Los Corales in time for a late lunch! 

Sample premium Dominican rum

Sample premium Dominican rum

Drinks might sound a bit much in the morning, but you’re on vacation, and this premium rum-tasting tour comes with plenty of delicious food! Rum is one of the Dominican Republic’s most iconic exports, so learning about it (and tasting it!) was high on my list of things to do the last time we went to Punta Cana.

After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hotel around 11 am and should be finished by around 12:30–1 p.m. Just a heads-up, pickup and drop-off are only available from hotels in the Bavaro and Punta Cana areas. 

This experience takes you to Taino Gourmet and Oliver Lab, an iconic rum house known for its premium liquors. Guided by expert romeliers (yes, that’s a real job!), you’ll taste an exclusive lineup of rums aged 25 years or more, including favorites like Cubaney Centenario and Punta Cana XOX.

We also learned all about the history and production of rum. I had never heard of the Solera method before, which involves stacking barrels on top of one another to blend different ages of rum. Apparently, this is what gives the rum such a smooth, balanced flavor! 

During the tasting, we also got to try sugar cane and pair the rums with different foods. I definitely left with a new appreciation for rum (and a few bottles to take home as souvenirs!). 

Bottled water, drinks, an open bar, food tastings, a guide, and shared hotel transportation are included, so you really don’t need to bring much with you.

Explore the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve

If rum isn’t your thing (or you’d simply rather spend the morning outdoors!), head to the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve instead. We recommend booking the 10 am Los Ojos Eco Journey and arriving around 15 minutes early to check in. The guided experience lasts roughly 2 hours and 45 minutes, so you’ll finish around 1 pm.

The reserve is part of Puntacana Resort & Club, and it feels like a world away from Punta Cana’s busy resort areas. You’ll follow shaded trails through the tropical forest while your guide points out native plants and wildlife and explains the conservation work happening here, so keep your eyes peeled for turtles, fish, and tropical birds! 

But the real highlight is the freshwater lagoons. You can swim in several of the reserve’s crystal-clear springs, including Inriri and Cacibajagua, so definitely wear your swimsuit underneath your clothes. After walking through the tropical heat, jumping into that clear water feels pretty incredible!

You’ll need to reserve this experience from Fundación Puntacana in advance, and hotel transportation isn’t included, so plan to take a taxi or rideshare both ways. We also recommend using the restroom at the Sustainability Center before you hit the trails, as there aren’t any facilities once you’re inside. 

Lunch – Citrus Fusion Cuisine

After your morning adventure, head back to Los Corales for lunch at Citrus Fusion Cuisine. It opens daily at 11:30 am, and we recommend arriving sometime between 1:30 and 2:30 pm. The menu is huge, with a mix of Caribbean and international dishes, so it’s also a great choice if everyone in your group is craving something different.

There’s plenty to choose from, but the mixed ceviche, grilled tuna, Citrus chicken, and Dominican-style goat are all solid picks. You’ll also find sushi, pasta, seafood, salads, and vegetarian options. If you went for the rum tasting this morning, you might be ready for something light, but if you’re returning from Indigenous Eyes, you probably will have worked up a serious appetite on the trails! 

Afternoon – Slow down in Los Corales and El Cortecito

After lunch, spend a few hours exploring Los Corales and neighboring El Cortecito at your own pace. This is one of the most walkable pockets of Bávaro, with shops, restaurants, and the beach all close together, so you don’t really need an agenda this afternoon. Just wander and see what catches your eye!

Start by browsing some of the small stores and souvenir stalls around the neighborhood. If you’re planning to pick up gifts to bring home, we recommend comparing prices at a few places before buying, especially for jewelry and cigars.

Then head down to El Cortecito Beach. This public stretch has fishing boats, casual beach bars, and a more local feel than many of Punta Cana’s resort beaches. Here, you can go for a swim, wander along the sand, or grab a fresh juice, piña colada, or cold Presidente and settle in for some people-watching by the water.

Just keep in mind that this is a public beach, so you may encounter more vendors and seaweed than on the resort-managed stretches. And if this morning’s rum tasting has left you more interested in air conditioning than another few hours in the sun, that’s completely fair! Find a cool cafe or simply head back to your hotel early and enjoy some downtime.

Dinner – Pastrata

For dinner, we’re sending you to Pastrata, a colorful Mexican restaurant just a short distance from Los Corales and El Cortecito. 

We recommend starting with the fresh guacamole, coconut shrimp, or sopa azteca. Then, for the main event, you can’t go wrong with the fish tacos, chicken fajitas, or the enchiladas. The menu also has decent burritos, plus plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options.

And since you’re at a Mexican restaurant, a margarita feels almost mandatory! Go classic or try the passion fruit version, and if tequila is more your thing, the staff can help you choose from the bottles behind the bar.

Pastrata is open daily until 10:30 pm, and we recommend booking a table for around 6:30 pm, especially on weekends. If you’re staying around Los Corales or El Cortecito, you may be able to walk there easily. Otherwise, just grab a quick taxi or rideshare and enjoy your final laid-back evening before day five!

Evening – End the day at Los Corales Beach

After dinner, take the short walk back down to Los Corales Beach for one last dose of Caribbean views. It’s only about six minutes from Pastrata, and after a fairly relaxed day, we think a simple evening by the water is the perfect way to finish.

Later, we recommend sticking to the busier beachfront restaurants and bars rather than wandering onto quieter stretches of sand. Then, when you’re ready to call it a night, grab a taxi or rideshare back to your hotel. An early-ish night isn’t a bad idea either, because tomorrow morning you’re heading to Monkeyland!

Day 5

Morning – Get close to the monkeys at Monkeyland

It’s your last day, so we’ve planned a fun one! After breakfast at your hotel, be ready for pickup at 7 am for this half-day trip to Monkeyland. You’ll head toward the Anamuya Mountains and deep into the Dominican jungle to hang out with squirrel monkeys!

You’ll visit a 5-acre (2-hectare) squirrel monkey sanctuary, where you’ll spend around 45 minutes watching and interacting with the monkeys. Seeing them swinging through the trees and running around was so much fun. I got heaps of photos and even got to feed them some fruit, which was such an amazing experience!

Just a heads-up: these monkeys are cute, curious, and a little cheeky! Follow the keepers’ instructions and secure loose items like sunglasses unless you want to donate them to the local monkey population.

But that’s not all! The tour also includes a visit to a traditional Dominican home and a local coffee and cacao plantation. You’ll learn about their organic farming methods and get to sample coffee and hot chocolate. To this day, I think it was the best hot chocolate I’ve ever had!

You’ll also visit a beautiful botanical garden and learn about the local flora and fauna from your guide. The gardens were so peaceful and really added to the experience. One more thing: lunch isn’t included, but you’ll be back around 1:30 pm, so bring a small snack to keep you going. We’ll be eating soon after! 

Lunch – Choose a restaurant in Punta Cana Village

After your morning at Monkeyland, you’ll probably be more than ready for lunch! Once you’re dropped back at your hotel, grab a taxi over to Punta Cana Village and aim to eat at around 2 pm. There are several great restaurants around Centro Cultural Rainieri, so we recommend keeping things flexible and choosing based on what you’re craving.

For Dominican and Caribbean food, our top pick is La Casita de Yeya. This is a great chance to squeeze in a few more traditional favorites before your trip wraps up, with dishes like mofongo, sancocho, chivo al ron, and dorado in coconut sauce.

If grilled meats and comfort food sound better, head to Burlao Grill Punta Cana instead. You’ll find things like wood-smoked ribs, mofongo with chicharrón, and plenty of burgers, so there’s plenty to choose from if you’ve worked up a serious appetite.

We wouldn’t make a strict lunch reservation today, as your return time from Monkeyland can vary depending on traffic and the order of hotel drop-offs. Both restaurants will still be serving when you arrive, so just see how the morning goes and decide where to eat once you’re back in Punta Cana.

Afternoon – Experience Caribbean art and pick up final souvenirs

After lunch, head to Centro Cultural Rainieri for a change of pace. The free El mar como territorio exhibition features work from more than 40 Caribbean artists, exploring island life, migration, identity, and the Caribbean Sea through paintings, sculptures, photography, video, and more.

Give yourself about 45 minutes to an hour. The exhibition runs through January 10, 2027, and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm. So if day five falls on a Monday for you, you’ll want to squeeze this stop in on another day.

Around 4:15 pm (or earlier if it’s a Monday and the cultural center is closed), grab a taxi or rideshare to BlueMall Punta Cana for final souvenir shopping. Here, you can pick up locally inspired gifts at AlegrArte, Dominican chocolate from KahKow, or rum and wine at El Catador. It is also a great place to stop for coffee, a cacao drink, or ice cream. 

Once you’ve shopped ’til you’ve dropped, aim to leave the mall around 6:15 pm and head to La Yola for your 7:30 pm reservation. Your final dinner in Punta Cana will be a good one!

Dinner/Evening – Celebrate your trip at La Yola

For your final night in Punta Cana, we’re sending you somewhere special! La Yola sits right over the water at Puntacana Resort Marina, with an open-air dining room designed to resemble a traditional fishing boat. 

Seafood is definitely the star of the show here. Start with the Punta Cana ceviche, tuna tartare, or grilled octopus, then move on to the catch of the day, grilled lobster, or red snapper. The surf-and-turf pasta is another tempting option, and they also offer meat and vegetarian dishes if seafood isn’t your thing. Whatever you order, though, save room for the warm chocolate cake with strawberry ice cream!

We recommend booking for around 7:30 pm and requesting a waterside table. They can’t guarantee one, but it’s definitely worth asking! Saturday is an especially fun night to visit, with live music from 7–10 pm.

Before you make this your official final-night plan, make sure to check the calendar. La Yola is open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday and closed on Mondays, so you’ll need to shuffle this dinner to another night if day five falls on a Monday. The restaurant also has a smart dress code, so make sure to change after Monkeyland before heading back out for the afternoon. 

Last but not least, keep your reservation confirmation handy when entering Puntacana Resort & Club (you may be asked to show it at the entrance), and make sure to bring a card since La Yola is cashless! 

Where to Stay in Punta Cana

Now that you’ve planned the perfect Punta Cana itinerary, you need somewhere comfy to stay! There are a lot of options whether you’re looking for a beachfront luxury resort or a budget stay. To help narrow down your options, I’ve put together three excellent hotel choices to suit any traveler. 

Luxury – $$$

The Westin Puntacana Resort is my top pick for a luxury stay! This resort has it all—eight restaurants, a cigar and wine bar, private beach access, pools, a spa, and perfectly put-together rooms. You can get a standard hotel room or a suite, and even opt for a room with an ocean view. This resort is located near the international airport.

Prices vary by season but start around $300 USD per night. Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.

Mid-range – $$

AC Hotel by Marriott Punta Cana is located in the downtown area, so you’re never far from the lively city! This hotel offers a top-tier stay at a moderate price point, with a luxury on-site pool, spa, and restaurant and bar. They offer queen or king rooms; some come with terraces, and all are equipped with amenities for a comfortable stay.

Prices range from about $150 to $250 USD per night and can be booked on Booking.com.

Budget – $

Los Corales Beach Village Punta Cana is a beachfront hotel in Bávaro, just steps from the white sand and turquoise water! There are three outdoor pools, a private beach area, and an on-site restaurant, plus you’ll be within walking distance of plenty of restaurants and bars. Rooms range from simple studios to spacious suites and apartments, with some offering balconies and beautiful sea views.

Rates start at around $115 USD per night and go up by room type. Check prices and book your stay on Booking.com!

For more options, check out all of the hotels in Punta Cana here!

Thanks for reading!

Five days in Punta Cana gives you plenty of time to enjoy those dreamy Caribbean beaches while also seeing what lies beyond the resorts! We loved mixing lazy mornings by the water with some bigger adventures, from snorkeling off a catamaran and exploring Saona Island to meeting squirrel monkeys in the countryside. Throw in plenty of delicious food along the way, and you’ve got one seriously fun trip!

Before you pack your bags, check out the rest of our Caribbean blogs for even more travel tips, tours, and inspiration. Or here are a few more guides that might come in handy!

How to Spend FIVE DAYS in the Dominican Republic: 5-Day Itinerary

8 Best Puerto Plata Shore Excursions: How to Spend Your Port of Call

How to Spend FIVE DAYS in The Bahamas: 5-Day Itinerary